Recently, Punkin was delivered to school in her pink hiking boots, white socks, and Blue's Clues Pajamas.

Last night during a "going to bed tantrum" we left her in her room as she cried and wailed for "Moooommmm-mmmeeeee." For the first time in a very long time, we didn't go back into her room. We stood in the kitchen as she called for me with big, loud, wet sobs. That tore us up. Sometimes this parent thing sucks eggs.

This morning, she woke up and got out of bed on her own (after I opened her door and turned on the light) and refused to do anything after that.
Didn't wanna be changed
Didn't wanna pick out her clothes
Didn't wanna wear other clothes
Didn't wanna sit on the potty
Didn't wanna talk to me

I gave her plenty of opportunities to make choices about her behavior, and I followed through with consequences.

The only time she showed any "life" was when I left her bedroom to do something else. Then the tears and kicking and screaming and flinging herself about on the floor started.

It all ended with me carrying her and her coat (not IN her coat) out to the car and buckling her into the car seat. She was a little quiet in the car, but it didn't seem to be a brooding silence.

Once at school however, her stubborness returned. She didn't want to sit on the potty, didn't want to get dressed (yes, I brought clothes and thought for just the teeniest second that she would actually get dressed in them for me), and didn't want to change herself.

I was able to finally get her socks and shoes on before apologizing to the teachers for the fact that she is in "just rolled out of bed" condition.

Punkin gave me hugs and kisses at the door, and then scampered off to play with her friends.

Lord help me. She's 3 going on 13.

I'm waiting for my copy of "Children Are From Heaven" to arrive, and maintaining my own constant inner monologue about being patient.

Any suggestions on dealing with tantrums are welcome.

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